Bradford will step up their bid for new recruits following the departure of skipper Andy Lynch and shock sacking of Gareth Raynor.

Long-serving prop Lynch, 31, has joined Hull on a two-year deal, leaving a major hole in the Bulls’ pack, and the club will also assess their options out wide after showing Raynor the door.

Mick Potter, his players and senior club officials are refusing to divulge the precise nature of Raynor’s indiscretion.

Nor is his agent Martin Shuttleworth, who refused to comment when contacted by the T&A.

But the “severe breach of club discipline” that the Bulls referred to is not linked to Raynor’s recent court appearance.

Last month he was ordered to sell assets to raise £120,000 to pay for his counterfeit eBay scam – or go back to jail.

Yet the club are determined to move on quickly and work is going on behind the scenes to sign new players.

Potter said: “Lynch has been very good for this club and he will be good value for Hull.

“Two players have left the club this week but now there is an opportunity there to bring people in.”

Chief executive Ryan Duckett confirmed: “We’re always looking to bring in quality players when they become available but we have to work within the restrictions of the salary cap.

“There is certainly work going on behind the scenes to strengthen the squad for next year.”

Potter, meanwhile, admits he cannot see past Warrington as winners of this year’s Super League title as the play-offs resume this weekend.

The Wolves have made massive strides under Tony Smith in recent seasons and Potter believes they could now claim their first championship since 1955.

Potter’s two former clubs – Catalan and St Helens – are also in the mix but the Odsal chief reckons Warrington will emerge victorious at Old Trafford on October 8.

He said: “The obvious favourites to win the competition are Warrington. Saints are also in a good position, having won at Wigan and having this weekend off.

“Catalan are certainly a side that can trouble other teams but I can see Warrington winning the Grand Final next month.”